Director Joss Whedon attempted to play down the claims, but Ruffalo later confirmed the news, telling The Playlist: "We're shooting a scene tonight. I'm not sure exactly where it's gonna go. All I know is that someone came in with the costume and said, 'Here's some wardrobe. We don't know where you're going to be or what you're doing.' So I'm like, 'All right, when are we doing that?' 'Today after we're done.'"

The Avengers is due for release on 26 April, under the revised title of Avengers Assemble. Here's a sneak peek, below along wih some snaps...